Temple University $6.9M COVID Class Action Settlement

If you were enrolled at Temple University in at least one in-person, on-campus class during the Spring 2020 semester, you may be eligible to claim benefits from a class action settlement.

Temple University has agreed to a $6,900,000 settlement for alleged breach of contract and unjust enrichment due to the transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who are the class members?

To be considered a class member, you:

• Enrolled in at least one in-person, on-campus class at Temple University during the Spring 2020 semester.
• Remained enrolled after March 16, 2020.
• Paid tuition and/or University Services Fee obligations from any source for that semester.

The class members include undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who fit these criteria.

Certain individuals are excluded from the class:

• Those who withdrew from Temple on or before March 16, 2020
• Students enrolled solely in classes originally intended to be taught online
• Individuals who received a full scholarship or grant covering tuition and fees

How much can class members get?

The settlement fund of $6,900,000 will be distributed among eligible class members after deducting attorneys' fees, litigation costs, and administrative expenses. The remaining amount, known as the Available Settlement Fund, will be divided equally among the class members.

• Calculation of Available Settlement Fund:
• Total Settlement Fund: $6,900,000
• Attorneys' Fees: Up to $2,300,000
• Litigation Costs: Up to $250,000
• Administrative Expenses: Up to $150,000
• Class Representatives' Awards: $5,000 each for two representatives

The remaining funds will be distributed equally among the class members.

If the fund is subject to pro rata calculations, each member's share will depend on the total number of valid claims submitted.

Class members do not need to take any action to receive their compensation. The Cash Award will be automatically mailed to the last known address on file with the Temple Registrar.

However, members can update their mailing address or choose alternative payment methods on the settlement website.

Payment methods

• Paper check mailed to their address.
• Digital payment via Venmo or PayPal.
• Credit to their Temple account.
• Donation to Temple's General Scholarship Fund.

$6,900,000 Settlement fund

The settlement fund of $6.9 million will cover:

• Up to $2,300,000 for attorneys' fees
• Up to $250,000 for litigation costs
• Up to $150,000 for administrative expenses
• $5,000 each for the Settlement Class Representatives

The remaining funds will be distributed equally among the class members.

Important dates

• Final Approval Hearing: February 26, 2025
• Payout Date: TBD

When is the Temple University Settlement payout date?

The Final Approval Hearing is on February 26, 2025, where the court will decide whether to approve the settlement. If approved, payments will be processed and distributed within 60 days, assuming there are no appeals.

Why was there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit alleged that Temple University breached its contract and was unjustly enriched by not providing the in-person education and services for which students paid during the Spring 2020 semester. Temple denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the costs and uncertainties of continued litigation.